Periods After Bullet Points on a Resume: Do They Matter?
When crafting a resume, every detail matters, down to the last period. Using bullet points is a common practice to highlight your experiences and skills concisely, but the question arises: should you include periods after those bullet points? While the answer might seem trivial, it can impact the overall look and professionalism of your resume.
Period Preference in the Resume Writing Landscape
Traditionally, periods after bullet points have been the standard practice in resume writing. However, modern resume writing trends have seen a shift towards a more minimalist approach, favoring clean lines and white space. As a result, the use of periods after bullet points has become less common.
The Case for Periods
Proponents of using periods after bullet points argue that they provide clarity and structure to the resume. They believe that periods help separate each bullet point as a complete thought and prevent any confusion or misreadings. Additionally, periods can aid in aligning the bullet points, creating a polished and professional appearance.
The Case Against Periods
Those who favor omitting periods from bullet points argue that they create unnecessary clutter and disrupt the flow of the resume. They maintain that bullet points are already inherently distinct and do not require further punctuation to separate them. Furthermore, the absence of periods allows for a more concise and modern design, which is preferred by many employers.
Expert Advice and Tips
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use periods after bullet points on a resume is a matter of personal preference. However, it’s wise to consider the following tips to make an informed choice:
- Consider the resume’s overall style: A traditional resume may benefit from periods after bullet points to maintain consistency and clarity. A modern resume, on the other hand, might look cleaner without them.
- Use periods if the bullet points are complete sentences: If your bullet points form complete sentences, it’s acceptable to include periods to denote the end of each thought.
- Omit periods if the bullet points are phrases or fragments: In most cases, bullet points on a resume should be concise phrases or fragments. In this case, periods are generally not necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a mixture of periods and no periods on my resume?
A: It’s generally not advisable to mix periods and no periods within the same bullet point section. Choose one style and stick to it throughout.
Q: What if I’m unsure about whether or not to use periods?
A: When in doubt, it’s usually safer to omit periods. Modern resume trends favor a clean and minimalist style, which aligns with the omission of periods.
Q: Does including periods after bullet points affect my chances of getting a job?
A: While it’s unlikely that the presence or absence of periods will directly impact your chances of employment, it’s important to note that a well-written and visually appealing resume can make a positive impression on potential employers.
Conclusion
The decision of whether or not to use periods after bullet points on a resume is a personal one, but it’s crucial to approach it thoughtfully. Consider the overall style of your resume, the nature of your bullet points, and the latest resume writing trends to make an informed choice. While there are no hard and fast rules, it’s important to maintain consistency and aim for a clean, professional, and visually appealing document.
Are you curious about other aspects of resume writing? Let us know, and we’ll be happy to explore them in future articles.
